Cherelle Parks Officially Becomes Philadelphia's First Female Mayor

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia officially has a new mayor, and she's the first woman to ever assume the role.

Philadelphia's own Cherelle Parker, 51, was sworn in to office Tuesday after winning the mayoral race in November over Republican David Oh.

Parker is a former English teacher, member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and Philadelphia City Council.

She is the city's 100th mayor and the first woman to be the city's mayor.

After her swearing in, Parker is expected to sign three orders.

They are, according to the mayor's office:

• Declaring a public safety emergency in Philadelphia, and directing the Police Commissioner and Managing Director’s Office to develop comprehensive plans that address public safety across the city.
• Making local government more visible, responsive, and effective in how it delivers services to citizens and constituents. Mayor Parker seeks a government that citizens can "see, touch, and feel."
• Expanding economic opportunity for residents of Philadelphia by removing barriers to city employment, including removing requirements for a college degree as a prerequisite for employment.

Additionally, the city's new permanent Police Commissioner is being sworn in Tuesday.

Parker will administer the oath of office during the swearing in of Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel.

Bethel was Mayor Parker’s first major personnel announcement.